As this plant is of strong growth, producing roots freely, it should be given 
ample accommodation ; the pots should have a liberal quantity of draining material, 
next to which should be placed a layer of sphagnum; this will prevent the soil 
blocking up the drainage; some good brown fibrous peat, and double the quantity 
of light turfy loam with some sharp silver-sand will make a suitable compost. It 
is advisable to place the plant sufficiently below the rim of the pot so that it 
may receive a thorough soaking at the roots, as it requires much moisture during 
the growing season, at the roots as well as overhead. During the resting period, 
although the quantity of water given should be less, the plant should on no 
account be allowed to become dry, as this would materially injure it. An 
occasional sprinkling with the syringe when the weather is bright and warm will 
be advantageous, but during the dull months of winter it will be better to avoid 
this, and allow the plants to depend for moisture upon the water supplied to the 
roots occasionally; this will enable the spikes, which frequently begin to show as 
early as December, to come to full maturity. The temperature of the Cattleya 
house, and the atmosphere charged with moisture, will suit our plants admirably ; 
when at rest, however, a temperature of 50° and less moisture will suffice. 
